7 Things Your About Page Needs: Are You Missing Any of These?

People get very, very wrapped up about their blog About page. In fact, I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve worked with that have so much anxiety about this one page on their website that they end up publishing their site without that page at all!

You shouldn’t do this.

Your blog About page is typically THE most-clicked on page on most people’s website. So while it’s right to be concerned about making sure it’s a good one, you shouldn’t go live until you have one.

Whether you are just getting started writing your About page or want to make sure yours is up-to par, here are a few suggestions on what your blog About page should include.

Answer the Question: Who is This For?

The first thing your blog About page should answer is one simple question: Who is this blog for? Make that answer clear from the get-go and you’ll attract loyal readers.

Tell people what you can do for them and how you are helping them. Just make sure to be specific.

For example, owning a toy shop isn’t as specific as a toy shop that produces wooden toys for eco-conscious mamas and their babies.

Rather than saying you “blog about fashion” be clear that you write for budget-conscious millennials who love trendy styles.

Whatever it is, the point is to get crystal clear on who your website is for.

A Personal Story

Now that your reader knows this website is full of content just for them, they’ll want to know a bit about who you are and why they should trust you.

This is where people typically start their About page. Yes, it’s important to include this info, just move it to the second section of your About page instead of the first.

Who are you and why should people trust you? If you’re a blogger, solopreneur or small business owner it’s a good idea to share a personal story so people can connect with you.

This is a good place to share something about your personal journey, such as why you started your blog or biz and what led you to this path.

Don’t overthink this. It doesn’t have to be the world’s deepest motivator. If you aren’t trying to cure cancer or moving mountains, that’s totally ok. Just share something that shows a bit about who you are that your audience can connect with.

If you started a shoe store after getting frustrated at not finding cute yet practical pairs, that’s your why.

Or if you started a blog to inspire other moms to feel confident in themselves after feeling oh-so-lost after having your first baby, share that story.

You can also include accolades here like any relevant degrees and press mentions. This adds to your credibility and will help you gain your reader’s trust.

A Clear and Bright Photo

I can’t believe how many people miss this simple detail, but it’s so important! A clear and bright photo of you helps people connect with you. So yes, you should absolutely include one.

You don’t have to shell out a ton of money for a professional photoshoot. Use a DSLR (I shoot with this one) and head outdoors to get a shot!

You can ask a friend or family member for help. Or, use a remote trigger and a tripod to take it yourself.

Don’t have a DSLR? You can capture great photos on an iPhone, too. Head outdoors for great lighting and use the Portrait mode. Then, use an app to brighten your photo. You can do this with apps like VSCO, Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed or even the built-in editing app.

Here are the three easiest things you can do to enhance any photo:

Brighten: I usually bump up the exposure a bit

Contrast: Increase the contrast a tad

Cast/Temperature: Bring this down if you like your photo to look a bit more “cool”.

This creates a cool, crisp effect on your photo.

Your Best Posts

Let’s say someone is landing on your website for the very first time and the first thing they do is click on your blog About page. Other than telling them what the site is about and who you are, you’ll also want to share the best of the best!

This is a condensed version of your “Start Here” page, or if you don’t have one, you can include a mini version of this here.

In this section, you’ll share the posts that are the most helpful, most popular, and best illustrate who you are and what you do.

If you are a business owner, instead of linking to blog posts you can link to some of the most popular things to purchase on your site! Or, you could even do a mix of both.

Download the Blog About Page Story Worksheet

A Call to Action

What do you want people to do when they visit your website? This is your Call to Action, which I’ve talked about before, and which you should promote as much as possible!

If you offer first-time visitors a percentage of their purchase from your boutique for signing up for the mailing list, be sure to promote that here!

Or if you offer access to a free Resource Library, promote that here as well! Give readers a clear Call to Action and grow your email list!

Contact Info

Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how many About pages I’ve landed on where I can’t find social handles or simple contact info. Yes, even if you have a “Contact” page on your site or social media links in your sidebar, you want to make it as easy as possible for people to reach you and stay connected.

Include social links, your email or a contact form so readers or potential clients can reach out to you. This is an opportunity many miss, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on a potential connection!

Other Options

By now, you may have a lengthy blog About page. Or, if you’re succinct, you may have room for a bit more! Some other great things to include may be:

An FAQ section if you are a blogger or influencer

Links to your Shop page, Press mentions or Portfolio

Info for brands to contact you if you’re trying to secure partnerships and collaborations